Breastfeeding: 5 tips and tricks from Team BABYmatters!

Breastfeeding for the first time can be very challenging, to say the least? Both you and your baby are doing something and learning something you haven't ever done before. Team BABYmatters shares their advice on how to tackle those first difficult weeks!

1. feeding on demand

You should allow your baby to feed on demand, since children have other feeding habits than your own. Some feed quickly, while others take their time. Therefore, it is important that you allow your baby to determine the length of her meal. She should be allowed enough time to release your breast on her own.

2. give your baby nothing but breastmilk

There is no reason to give your baby anything other than your milk initially unless your healthcare personnel or doctor has advised you otherwise. All healthy newborn babies can derive sufficient nutrition from the milk you produce if you give your baby all the opportunities she needs to feed.

3. Good breastfeeding positions

It's well worth trying out different breastfeeding positions, especially at the beginning when you spend many hours feeding your baby. In this way, you'll avoid a lot of stress, which at worst could cause your milk to flow at a slower rate, and your baby to not want to feed as long as necessary.

4. NIght time breastfeeding

Breastfeeding during the night is normal and necessary! And it helps relieve you of the milk you have produced during the day, and allows you to produce new milk while you sleep. A bedtime feed thus helps to regulate your milk production, and continue the breastfeeding process. In a comfortable chair and with a cosy night light by your side breastfeeding in the nursery can be very pleasant.  

5. Plenty to drink

You need more liquids when you are breastfeeding as your baby will drink around one litre of milk per day. In principle, what you drink is irrelevant. You should, however, try to avoid diuretic drinks such as coffee and tea, which can reduce milk production. It is a good idea to have fluids close at hand when you are breastfeeding as it often gives acute thirst!        

some extra tips:

• You can perfectly store pumped milk in the freezer. Freshly pumped milk can be kept for 4 hours at room temperature (16 - 29°C), 4 days in the fridge (4°C) and up to 6 months in the freezer (-18°C). This is only possible if conditions are very hygienic. Use convenient freezer containers to store divided portions.

• Tetra, tetra, tetra! Tetra cloths are always useful. You can never have enough. They are ideal for wiping off milk leaks during or after breastfeeding. And many other situations!

• Would you like to breastfeed in public, but maintain a bit of privacy? Then a baby carrier is a great idea! Here we explain how you can combine breastfeeding and a baby carrier.